Sustainable Agriculture

Associate in Applied Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

The Sustainable Agriculture program provides students with both the technical and small business skills needed to manage or develop a small farm or agricultural business. The course work will utilize a problem solving approach to engage students in solving complex real world problems presented by local members of the industry. Students will expand their knowledge and hone their skills in sustainable farm principles and practices by participating in a summer internship at the college’s farm or local agricultural business. The two year curriculum includes classes in soil, plant and animal science, crop production, integrated pest management, farm infrastructure and sustainable livestock management. Business courses include agricultural marketing, accounting and small business. Graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree.

KVCC's Sustainable Agriculture program also works very closely with the College's food service department and our Culinary Arts department as part of a comprehensive farm-to-table focus. Learn more about our Culinary Arts program here.

Although many students enter our program in order to start their own farm, there are also many employment opportunities to be found within the federal, state, and local governments, non-profit organizations, as well as in food processing, marketing, organic certification and product development.

The Farm at Kennebec Valley Community College is located on 120 acres of prime agricultural land at the center of the college’s Harold Alfond Campus in Hinckley, Maine. The former pasture-based dairy is now a farm that serves the Sustainable Agriculture program at KVCC. The farm currently produces organic crops year round as well as sheep and chickens. The farm includes a classroom, renovated barn spaces, greenhouses, and other infrastructure. With the help of student interns and employees the farm feeds the college community while educating through hand on learning.

The farm at KVCC grows three acres of MOFGA certified organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Our rotation includes the use of a diversity of cover crop and the integration of our animals in a low tillage model. We believe in growing a wide range of crops both for the educational gain of our students and to promote a biodiverse growing landscape. The crops grown on farm by students are marketed through a KVCC community CSA (community supported agriculture) program as well as to our Culinary Arts program and café.

All our livestock are raised sustainably on pasture and rotated for both the health of the animals and land. We currently focus on raising Katahdin sheep for meat and laying hens.

We are open to visitors every day from 9-5pm year round. For more information please contact our farm manager, Bo Dennis, at bdennis@kvcc.me.edu